saturation

Pronunciation: satch′ŭ-rā′shŭn

Definition:

1. Impregnation of one substance by another to the greatest possible extent.
2. Neutralization, as of an acid by an alkali.
3. That concentration of a dissolved substance that cannot be exceeded.
4. In optics, see saturated color.
5. Filling of all available sites on an enzyme molecule by its substrate, or on a hemoglobin molecule by oxygen (symbol S_O2) or carbon monoxide (symbol S_CO).
6. In MRI, a temporary state in which there is no net magnetization of the spins; can be induced with special radiofrequency pulses. Saturated tissues emit no signal when sampled; partially saturated tissues do, however, emit a weak signal.

[L. saturatio, fr. saturo, to fill, fr. satis, enough]

See Also: saturation pulse

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